Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button pay respects to legend Dan Wheldon

Shocked Formula One stars
Lewis Hamilton and
Jenson Button led the tributes to
Dan Wheldon after their fellow Englishman was killed in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Dan Wheldon celebrating his Indy500 win in 2005 (Picture: Getty)

The 33-year-old two-time Indianapolis 500 winner died of his injuries following a huge 15-car crash in the season-ending Indy300, his vehicle flying over another on lap 13 of the race and breaking up as it hit the fence.

Button raced against Wheldon in the duoâs formative years in motorsport, and the McLaren driver expressed his shock after learning of the news in South Korea, where he had just competed in the Korean Grand Prix. He wrote on Twitter: âJust woken up to the most horrific news.. Dan Wheldon RIP…

âI have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early 90âs, a true fighter. Weâve lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy.â

Buttonâs McLaren team-mate Hamilton, who finished second in Korea on Sunday, was also quick to pay tribute to his compatriot.

âThis is an extremely sad day,â said the 2008 F1 world champion. âDan was a racer Iâd followed throughout my career, as I often followed in his footsteps as we climbed the motorsport ladder in the UK.

âHe was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy, who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy 500, he was an inspirational guy, and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration. This is a tragic loss at such a young age.â